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New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Judge in Sarawak DAP chief's defamation case ordered to produce judgment
KUCHING: The Court of Appeal has ordered the trial judge in the defamation trial of Stampin MP and Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen to provide the written grounds of judgment within one month from today. This is to enable the hearing of Chong's appeal to be heard. The hearing of the appeal today had to be postponed as the written judgment was not available. "As directed by the Court of Appeal, my lawyers will also be writing to the Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak on this matter," Chong said. He hoped to receive the grounds of judgment soon for the appeal to proceed. Chong said the trial had concluded four years ago and "yet there is still no grounds of judgment from the trial judge". In 2012, Chong criticised the state's budget, pointing to what he described as a recurring line item titled "government's contribution towards government-approved agencies trust fund". He argued that this allocation acted as a "black hole" since it lacked transparency as substantial sums in billions of ringgit were transferred without disclosure of the actual recipients or their uses. In 2013, the then Sarawak government and State Financial Authority (SFA) filed a defamation lawsuit against him following his published claims, including in leaflets and news outlets, that RM11 billion in public funds had gone into this "black hole". The suit was filed in the Kuching High Court, and the trial started on Jan 7, 2021. On August 30, 2022, the judge ruled in favour of the state government, determining that Chong's "black hole" remark was defamatory, and that his defences — justification, fair comment, and qualified privilege — did not hold. The judge ordered Chong to pay RM150,000 in damages and RM50,000 in legal costs, and issued an injunction preventing him from repeating the statement. Chong said the trial judge then did not provide the grounds of judgment. "After almost three years from the decision of the High Court judge, or four years after the conclusion of the trial, the judge has not provided the grounds of his judgment. "Over the years, we have written five times to the High Court to request the grounds of judgment, but all to no avail," Chong said. He said because there were no grounds of judgment, his appeal, which was to have been heard today, had to be postponed. Chong filed the appeal on Sept 12, 2022, arguing that allowing the government to sue individuals for defamation was a dangerous erosion of freedom of speech and that the judgment posed a threat to democratic rights across the Commonwealth. The judge who presided over the trial was a judicial commissioner at the time.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Chong seeks update on RM247 mln water pipe replacement amid Batu Kawa, Moyan supply woes
Chong says residents in Batu Kawa and Moyan areas have recently experienced frequent water supply interruptions. KUCHING (Aug 9): Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has called for an update on the progress of the old water pipe replacement project in the Batu Kawah constituency, which was previously reported to cost hundreds of millions of ringgit. The Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman highlighted that residents in Batu Kawa and Moyan areas have recently experienced frequent water supply interruptions. 'According to Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd, the interruptions were caused by a burst main pipe, which has been attributed to high water pressure. The pipe in question was already due for replacement,' he said in a statement. Chong, who is also Padungan assemblyman, pointed out that during a State Legislative Assembly sitting in May last year, it was revealed that RM247 million had been allocated for the replacement of old water pipes in Sarawak for 2024 alone. Over the full five-year duration of the statewide replacement project, a total of RM1.085 billion was approved. 'With a burst pipe causing such a severe water supply interruption, it raises the question of why, despite the substantial allocation, the water pipe in Moyan had not been replaced,' said Chong. He questioned whether the Moyan pipe was included in the RM247 million allocation and asked for details of the specific projects undertaken under this funding. 'What areas were covered under the 2024 allocation? How many kilometres of pipes were replaced last year? For the current year, how much has been allocated, how much has been spent so far, and how many kilometres of old pipes have been replaced?' During a site visit on Friday, Chong also expressed concern over the lack of proper flushing carried out by Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd after the repair works, saying the flushing only began after his assistant, Sim Kiat Liang, made a request. 'Flushing is a standard operating procedure after all pipe repairs. Without it, household taps will run murky, undrinkable water,' he said. Chong added that his assistant had to monitor the flushing process in different areas of Batu Kawa and Moyan for more than two hours before the water cleared. 'With the corporatisation of the Kuching Water Board into the government, the public expects more efficiency, transparency, and accountability,' he remarked. Batu Kawa Chong Chieng Jen water pipe upgrade
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
After decades of waiting, stateless man with Sarawakian dad finally granted citizenship
Tan (seated left), shows his MyKad and Certificate of Malaysian Citizenship, joined by Yong and Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (Aug 8): After decades of trying and more than 20 applications, a man born stateless has finally been granted Malaysian citizenship, making the end of a long and difficult journey. At a press conference today, Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong introduced 49-year-old Tan Tang Lung, who was born in Indonesia to a Sarawakian father and an Indonesian mother. Tan became stateless when his family relocated to Sarawak in the 1970s without complete documentation. 'From a stateless person to someone holding a red IC, and now finally a Malaysian citizen, this is truly happy news to share,' said Yong. She explained that Tan had to undergo multiple stages before he was eligible for citizenship, including applying for an entry permit, obtaining permanent residency through a red identity card, and eventually qualifying for a blue MyKad after holding permanent resident status for at least 10 years. According to Yong, Tan applied for citizenship three times. His first attempt was in 2012, submitted alongside his elder brother, who was approved the following year. However, Tan only received his approval in January 2025, more than a decade later. 'His sisters were granted citizenship back in 2010 and 2011,' Yong added. Following years of follow-up efforts by Yong and others, Tan received his 'surat keputusan' (approval letter) in January this year. He was issued the physical document in March, allowing him to apply for his Certificate of Malaysian Citizenship, which he received in July. Tan's citizenship was granted under Article 19(1) of the Federal Constitution, which applies to individuals aged 21 and above. Most citizenship applications reported in the media involve children and are filed under Article 15A. 'Mr Tan has been working as an IT personnel for many years. He is married to a Sarawakian and has two children, a 21-year-old son and an 18-year-old daughter,' Yong said. She also shared the persistent journey of assisting Tan through the lengthy and often frustrating process. 'Every time I received a message from Mr Tan on WhatsApp, I would think, 'How to help?' But I never gave up,' Yong said. 'I tried every possible way — whoever I could contact, ask, or follow up with. I did my best to help him. Now, with his Malaysian passport in hand, he is no longer stateless but a proud Malaysian citizen.' Tan expressed his gratitude to all those who supported him throughout the process. 'I want to thank YB Violet, YB Chong Chieng Jen, YB Kelvin Yii, and the Malaysian government for approving my citizenship after so many years of trying,' he said. Having submitted citizenship-related applications between 20 and 30 times over the years, Tan hopes his story will encourage others facing similar challenges. 'There are still many stateless people out there. I hope my story motivates them to keep fighting and not give up. Apply for your IC,' he urged. citizenship Kuching stateless violet yong
Borneo Post
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Chong seeks urgent parliamentary debate on Batu Kawa stone-throwing incidents
Chong Chieng Jen KUCHING (July 23): Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has submitted an emergency motion to the Dewan Rakyat, seeking an urgent parliamentary debate over repeated stone-throwing incidents along Jalan Batu Kawa here, which have endangered road users over the past six months. Chong, who is DAP Sarawak chairman, said the motion was submitted to the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat pursuant to Standing Order 18 of the Parliament. He revealed the Speaker will decide on Thursday whether the motion will be debated in the House or the Second Chamber, or rejected. 'With the matter now brought to the attention of the Parliament and the federal government, I hope that the matter can be resolved and the true culprit identified and arrested soonest possible,' he said in a statement yesterday. According to Chong, the motion mentioned, amongst others things, that unknown person(s) riding motorcycles, have on numerous occasions, thrown stones at oncoming cars at Jalan Batu Kawa, breaking their windscreens. Despite the police setting up roadblocks and the local council installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras along the affected stretch, he said the culprit continues to evade arrest, and the stone-throwing persists. He added that the issue has gone viral and is widely reported on social media, revealing the incompetence on the part of the government to protect safety of its citizens. 'More importantly, road users are now in constant anxiety when travelling up and down that stretch of the road, fearing that at any moment a stone will smash through their windscreen when they are driving on the road. 'This is a specific matter that affects public interest and ought to be dealt with urgently before some lives is lost due to such criminal and irresponsible act,' he said.
Borneo Post
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
MPP refutes neglect claims over Taman Phoenix park, cites upgrade plans
Kong points at the deteriorating condition of the rubber safety mats at the park. KUCHING (July 16): The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has refuted claims alleging that it has neglected the Taman Phoenix public park. In a statement, MPP chairman Cr Tan Kai said the council remains fully committed to maintaining public amenities for the benefit of residents under its jurisdiction, including through regular allocation of funds for park upkeep. 'Our MPP Landscape team has inspected the park equipment and confirmed it remains safe for public use,' said Tan. He pointed out that the Taman Phoenix park has been earmarked for upgrading under the state's Projek Rakyat initiative — a project identified by Deputy Premier and Batu Kawa assemblyman, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. 'The MPP team has conducted a site visit, and we are now preparing the scope of works and tender documents for the project,' Tan disclosed. Taking a swipe at the opposition, Tan said MPP focuses on tangible action rather than public criticism. He also noted that, to date, the council has not received any funding from the Stampin MP to assist in improving local facilities. 'Unlike the approach of the DAP, which often resorts to public criticism, the council will continue working on the ground for the betterment of the rakyat,' he added. He was responding to Democratic Action Party (DAP) member Michael Kong, who issued a statement urging MPP to take immediate action to address the poor condition of the public park at Taman Phoenix. Kong, who is special assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, said he was shocked to see the state of neglect when he visited the park recently. 'The jogging track is overgrown with grass, making it difficult and unpleasant for residents to use. The playground equipment and outdoor exercise machines are worn out, poorly maintained, and show obvious signs of disrepair,' he said in the statement. He also claimed the rubber safety mats at the park as dangerously slippery due to moss growth, with many sections peeling off and posing further hazards to children and the elderly. lead MPP public park Taman Phoenix
